The gift will support the nonprofit's
environmental education programs.

Local philanthropist John Gray has been a
longtime supporter of the organization, said David Cohen, executive director of Friends of Tryon Creek.

"This
is fantastic," he said, adding that he was grateful that the Gray Family Fund
had the "faith in us to support our program. The donation is an endorsement of
the quality of that program."

Friends of Tryon
Creek have been offering educational programs to people of all ages for more than 40
years. The Field Trips Program serves 5,000 students annually: Students
visit the park and use it as an outdoor classroom and the day camp
program serves 900 children each summer.

Cohen went on to explain that the
award is a challenge fund: Friends
of Tryon Creek can use up to $25,000 each year from the donation as long as they
raise $12,500 in matching funds.

According to the press release, "The
Gray Family Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation's environmental focus
encourages sustainable communities, a strong local land ethic, and stewardship
of the natural environment by citizens throughout Oregon."